On the Books

03.31.11

Ohio Signs Union-Busting Bill

Paul Vernon / AP Photo,Paul Vernon

It’s not just Wisconsin. Ohio Governor John Kasich signed into law a contentious union-busting bill that will roll back collective-bargaining rights for the state’s 350,000 public workers. Under its provisions, workers such as nurses, firefighters, and teachers won’t be able to negotiate for their health care, sick time, or pension benefits; they will be able to do so for wages. Democrats have vowed to fight back with a ballot referendum, which—if they get the signatures needed within 90 days—will halt implementation of the law. Republican backers say the measure is essential to put Ohio’s economy back on track.